Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Before Tanya could finish speaking, Seline delivered a vicious slap across her face.

She clutched her cheek, staring at Seline in disbelief. Choking back tears, she asked, "Ms. Yates, why did you hit me?"

Seline's face was twisted with rage, her cold eyes glaring at Tanya as she spoke. "Why didn't you tell me that they needed high-quality gemstones for the Elite Contest?"

It was all this bitch's fault for not reminding her, causing her to humiliate herself in front of so many people that day.

Seline seethed with anger, her body trembling. She had never been so embarrassed in her life.

Tanya was stunned. Wiping away the tears in her eyes, she explained, "I thought you knew. You asked me if Suzanne's design required high-quality emeralds, and

I said yes.

She had simply stated the facts, and she got slapped for that?

Seline's mood swings were terrifying. The more Tanya interacted with her, the scarier she found her. But for the sake of a better position in the future, she had no choice but to endure it.

Seline's expression stiffened. That was indeed the conversation they had, but she had assumed that the others would just use ordinary gemstones. After all, only Suzanne's design was in contention for first prize.

For the others, average gemstones would have sufficed. They could even settle for silver or bronze. But now, they were telling her that everyone had to use top- tier gemstones.

A bunch of useless idiots! Even with the best gemstone, they wouldn't win gold. Yet they dared to criticize her?

Seline's expression darkened, and an ominous air filled the office. This side of her was chilling.

Her voice was sharp and venomous like a viper's hiss. "Get out."

Tanya didn't stay a second longer. Who knew if another slap was coming her way? She turned around, her eyes now icy, and left the office without looking back.

When Tanya returned to her desk, she noticed how busy everyone was. Confusion filled her mind. What exactly happened while she was gone?

She looked up and saw Lilian returning from the storeroom and quickly waved her

over.

Lilian, still holding the gemstones, walked over to Tanya and asked respectfully, "Ms. Johnson, how can I help you?"

She was in a rush, and there was no time to chat. She needed to get back to her design.

Tanya's gaze fell on the gemstones in her hands. She immediately recognized them as the ones Seline had locked away. "Did something happen just now?"noveldrama

Lilian glanced toward Suzanne's desk, noting how focused she was

on her work: After scanning the

room and confirming that Selinenet

wasn't around, she leaned in and whispered, "Yes. Ms. Yates locked away the gemstones we needed, and Suzanne exploded on her. She threatened to report it to the shareholders if she didn't hand them over."

Tanya finally understood. It was no wonder Seline had been so furious and why

her own face still throbbed from her slap.

As Lilian got closer, she noticed the redness on Tanya's cheek. Frowning in concern, she asked, "Ms. Johnson, what happened to your face? Why is it red and swollen?"

Tanya's eyes darkened, but she quickly shook her head and gave a casual excuse. "It's nothing. I ate some pineapple earlier and had a mild allergic reaction."

Lilian nodded, not thinking too much

of it. Anyway, she had her own matters to deal with, so she said, "Take care of yourself. If it gets. worse take some allergy medication. I'll get back to work now."

Tanya waved her off.

Once alone at her desk, she gripped her pen so tightly that her knuckles turned

white. Her gaze was filled with a gloomy darkness.

It was all Seline's own fault, yet she had taken it out on her. Was something wrong with that woman's brain?

Seline had better not piss her off. Otherwise, the moment Tanya got her chance, she would make sure Seline paid the price.

Meanwhile, amidst the hectic work season, Suzanne received another bouquet from Austin. This time, the office barely reacted. People simply glanced at her without commenting further.